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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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SONG
JINGLE BELLS, JINGLE BELLS,
JINGLE ALL THE WAY,
OH WHAT FUN IT IS TO RIDE,
IN A HORSE DRAWN CHEVROLET.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; TRAVERSE CITY ; CAMPUS
James Callow Keyword(s): AUTOMOBILE ; PARODY
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Ill humor Ridicule Mockery |
Date learned: 12-00-1973
VERSE WITHOUT MUSIC
LAST HALLOWEEN, THE THINGS I SEEN,
I COULDN'T BELIEVE MY EYES.
A BOOGIE MAN FROM ZOMBIE LAND,
HE CAME TO HAUNT THE TOWN.
SO HE WENT UP TO THE HAUNTED HOUSE,
WHERE THE GHOSTS WERE ALL AROUND.
THEY SHOUTED AROUND AS THEY SAW HIM COME,
TO HELP THEM HAUNT THE TOWN.
BUT THE WITCH CAME IN UPON HER BROOM,
AND SHE RODE AROUND THE ROOM.
AND SHE SAID TO THEM,
THIS WILL BRING YOUR DOOM.
AND THE RAFTERS CRACKED,
AND THE PLASTER SNAPPED,
AND THE WALLS CAME TUMBLING DOWN.
AND THAT WAS THE END,
OF THE BOOGIE MAN,
WHO CAME TO HAUNT THE TOWN.
Submitter comment: THIS IS ORIGINAL
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; TRAVERSE CITY ; CAMPUS
Date learned: 12-00-1973
CUSTOM
ON NEW YEAR'S EVE, IT IS A TRADITION OF MY FAMILY TO PUT ONE HERRING
FISH ALONG WITH FIVE PENNIES ON EVERY WINDOWSILL OF EVERY WINDOW IN
THE HOUSE. THIS WILL KEEP UNPLEASANT OCCURENCES FROM HAPPENING AGAIN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; TRAVERSE CITY ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually. 686 Fifths CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 31 New Year's Eve BELIEF -- Fish |
Date learned: 12-00-1973
DOWN IN THE MEDDY (MEADOW)
IN AN ITTY BITTY POOL
SWAM THREE LITTLE FISHIES
AND A MAMA FISHY TOO
SWIM SAID THE MAMA FISH
SWIM AS FAST AS YOU CAN
AND THEY SWAM AND THEY SWAM
RIGHT OVER THE DAM
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): Lyrics ; MUSIC ; SONG ; Tune
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Good humor Jest |
Date learned: 12-01-1967
ST. JOHN'S EVE
ON A PLEASANT ST. JOHN,S EVE
IN THE QUIET OF A PRETTY HILLSIDE
A MOTHER SAT, WHILE AT HER KNEE
A FAINTING DAUGHTER FELL.
O MOTHER, MOTHER, MY HEART ACHES
BECAUSE LEON MAY NOT RETURN,
MAYBE HIS HORSE WILL THROW HIM FROM THE SADDLE
OR AN EVIL PERSON WILL KILL HIM.
(TWICE)
O CAROLINE, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?
WHERE ARE ALL YOUR PROMISES?
YOU WROTE, "OH, COME, COME."
NOW YOU ARE IN THE ARMS OF ANOTHER.
MY HORSE, MY HORSE, LET US RETURN HOME.
THEY HAVE NO BREAD FOR US HERE.
THERE IN THE VALLEY WHERE THE STREAM FLOWS,
THERE IS OUR BELOVED HOME.
(TWICE)
POLISH VERSION:
Wieczor Pogodny
Wieczor pogodny Swietego Jana
Ucich pieknego pagorka,
Siedziala matka, na jej kolana
Upada zemdlona corka.
O Mamo, mamo, serce mnie boli,
Bo moze Leon nie wroci,
Moze go konik ze siodia rzuczi,
Albozly czlowiek ubile.
O Karolino, cozes zrobiloa
gdzie twoje wszystkie zaklencia,
Tys mi pisala, ach przyjedz, przyjedz, przyjedz
Teraz zes w innych objenciach.
Koniu muj koniu, wrocmy do domu.
Tu dla nas nie maja chleda.
Tam na dolinie, gdzie strumyk plynie,
Tam nasza chata kochana.
Submitter comment:
MY MOTHER USED TO SING THIS SONG TO ME WHEN I WAS A CHILD. SHE TOLD
ME SHE LEARNED IT FROM A LADY WITH WHOM SHE WORKED DURING 1926-1929,
IN VARIOUS DOWNTOWN BUILDINGS--WASHINGTON BLVD. BLDG., INDUSTRIAL
BANK BLDG., AND EATON TOWER (NOW BRODERICK TOWER).
THE LADY, SADIE MANDULAK, BROUGHT THE SONG FROM THE UKRAINE.
ON THE NOTE ON WHICH THIS SONG WAS WRITTEN, MY MOTHER WROTE:
"TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE." I TAKE THIS TO MEAN THAT THIS IS
THE WAY THE SONG IS REMEMBERED BY HER.
MY MOTHER USED TO SING THIS, IN ITS POLISH VERSION, TO ME WHEN
I WAS JUST A LITTLE GIRL. I REMEMBER SHE USED TO ROCK ME AND
OFTEN I WOULD FALL ASLEEP TO THE SONG. LATER (13 TO 15 YEARS LATER.
IN FACT.) SHE SANG THE VERY SAME SONG TO MY SISTER, AS SHE PUT
HER TO SLEEP.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): BABY ; CHILDREN ; LULLABY ; Lyrics ; MUSIC ; RHYME ; SONG ; Tune
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Sorrow Unhappiness CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- June 23 |
Date learned: 05-00-1965
CURSE OF DONERAILE
ALAS HOW DISMAL IS MY TALE;
I LOST MY WATCH IN DONERAILE.
MY DUBLIN WATCH, MY CHAIN AND SEAL
PILFERED AT ONCE IN DONERAILE.
MAY FIRE AND BRIMSTONE NEVER FAIL
TO FALL IN SHOWERS IN DONERAILE.
THE FATE OF POMPEY AT PHORSALE
BE THAT CURSE OF DONERAILE.
MAY EGYPT'S PLAGUE AT ONCE PREVAIL
TO THIN THE KNAVES OF DONERAILE.
MAY EVERY POST, GAZETTE, AND MAIL
SAD TIDINGS BRING OF DONERAILE.
MAY FROST AND SNOW AND SLEET AND HAIL
BENUMB EACH JOINT IN DONERAILE.
MAY WOLVES AND BLOODHOUNDS TRACE AND TRAIL
THE CURSED CREW OF DONERAILE.
MAY EVERY MISCHIEF FRESH AND STALE
ABIDE HENCEFORTH IN DONERAILE
MAY NEITHER FLOUR NOR OATENMEAL
BE FOUND OR KNOWN IN DONERAILE.
MAY CURSES WHOLESALE AND RETAIL
POUR WITH FULL FORCE ON DONERAILE.
MAY EVERY TRANSPORT WONT TO SAIL
A CONVICT BRING FROM DONERAILE.
MAY COLD AND HUNGER STILL CONGEAL
THE STAGNANT BLOOD OF DONERAILE.
MAY CHARON'S BOAT TRIUMPHANT SAIL
COMPLETELY MANNED FROM DONERAILE.
AND MAY GRIM PLUTO'S INNER JAIL
FOREVER GROAN WITH DONERAIL.
Submitter comment:
IT IS A GREAT CURSING BALLAD; WRITTEN IN THE YEAR 1808, IT IS AS
POPULAR TODAY AS IT WAS THEN. IN DONERAILE AT THE TIME, LIVED
A GALWAY SCHOOLMASTER, PAT O'KELLY, WHO FANCIED HIMSELF A BIT OF
A POET. ONE DAY HE LOST HIS WATCH IN THE LOVELY NORTH CORK
VILLAGE AND WAS NEVER RETURNED. HE IMMEDIATELY SAT DOWN AND WROTE
THIS BALLAD. FAR TOO LONG TO GIVE IN FULL, HERE ARE A FEW COUPLETS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; UNION
Keyword(s): CURSE ; IRELAND ; OVERREACTION
| Subject headings: | Favorites Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Hate BELIEF -- Curse |
Date learned: 11-26-1972
LIMERICK
THERE ONCE WAS A GIRL NAMED ANNHEISER,
WHO SAID THAT NO GUY COULD SURPRISE HER.
UNTIL A GUY NAMED GIBBONS,
UNTIED ALL HER RIBBONS,
AND NOW SHE'S SADDER BUT WISER.
Submitter comment: SOME OF THESE ITEMS ARE FRATERNAL ORGANIZATION FOLKLORE
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; NEW YORK ; ALBANY ; CAMPUS
James Callow Keyword(s): BEER BRAND NAME PUNS: ANHEISER & BUDWEISER
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Narrative Verse |
Date learned: 12-00-1973
PROVERBIAL APOTHEGAM MAXIM STATED DIRECTLY
FEED A COLD, STARVE A FEVER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; NEW YORK ; ALBANY ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Medicine PROVERB -- Proverbial Apothegm Maxim |
Date learned: 10-00-1973
MT[ VERSE WITHOUT MUSIC
I KNOW A GIRL ALL DRESSED IN RED,
SHE'S GOT A PARKING METER BY HER BED.
Submitter comment: SOME OF THESE ITEMS ARE FRATERNAL ORGANIZATION FOLKLORE
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; NEW JERSEY ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; ELIZABETH ; CAMPUS
James Callow Keyword(s): ALLUSION TO PROSTITUTION
| Subject headings: | 730 Lyrical Verse |
Date learned: 12-00-1973
CUSTOM
ON VALENTINE'S DAY, IT IS A TRADITION OF MY FAMILY TO SEND YOUR GIRL
OR SWEETHEART, A CARD. HOWEVER, THE SENDER MUST NOT SIGN HIS NAME TO
THE CARD. IF THIS IS FOLLOWED THROUGH, TRUE LOVE WILL PREVAIL.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; NEW JERSEY ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; ELIZABETH ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- February 14 Valentine's Day CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 SPEECH -- To Be Seen |
Date learned: 11-00-1973
CUSTOM
PUT A MONEY STEALER IN YOUR POCKET,
AND IT WILL STEAL YOUR CHANGE.
(A MONEY STEALER IS A TYPE OF POLLEN FLYING THROUGH THE AIR)
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; NEW JERSEY ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; ELIZABETH ; CAMPUS
James Callow Keyword(s): PLANT
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Plant |
Date learned: 11-00-1973
MARISHKA
MARISHKA WAS KNEELING ON A ROCK
AND SHE WAS COMBING HER BEAUTIFUL LONG HAIR.
WHEN SHE WAS THROUGH SHE STARTED TO CRY.
ALONG CAME UNCLE CHARLES
AND ASKED HER WHY SHE WAS CRYING.
HE TOOK OUT HIS GOLDEN KNIFE
AND STABBED IT IN HER HEART.
MARISHKA BECAME AN ANGEL, ANGEL, ANGEL
AND UNCLE CHARLES BECAME A DEVIL, DEVIL DEVIL.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT LEARNED THIS SONG FROM HER HUNGARIAN GRANDMOTHER,
MRS. JOSEPHINE DAMIN, ABOUT 1949. IT IS HERE TRANSLATED FROM
THE HUNGARIAN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): MURDER
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Hate |
Date learned: 12-00-1963
Entry filtered.
Entry filtered.
Entry filtered.
WE SURE CAN DRINK
CHORUS:
AND WE CAN, WE CAN, WE CAN, WE CAN,
DEMOLISH FORTY BEERS,
DRINK RUM, DRINK RUM, DRINK RUM, DRINK RUM,
AND COME ALONG WITH US,
FOR WE DON'T GIVE A DAMN FOR ANY DAMN MAN
WHO DON'T GIVE A DAMN FOR US.
GODIVA WAS A LADY FROM COVENTRY DID RIDE,
FOR TO SHOW TO ALL THE VILLAGERS HER BARE AND LILY WHITE HIDE,
THE MOST OBSERVANT MAN THERE, AN ENGINEER, OF COURSE,
WAS THE ONLY ONE TO NOTICE THAT GODIVA RODE A HORSE.
CHORUS:
NOW I HAVE RIDDEN FORTY MILES, AND I WILL RIDE AS FAR,
WITH THE MAN WHO TAKES ME FROM THIS HORSE, AND LEADS ME TO A BAR.
THE ONES WHO TOOK HER STEED, AND STOOD HER TO A BEER,
WERE A BLEARY EYED SURVEYOR AND A DRUNKEN ENGINEER.
CHORUS:
SIR FRANCIS DRAKE AND HIS MEN, SAILED OUT FROM CALWAY BAY,
THEY HEARD THE SPANISH WHISKEY NAVY WAS SAILING OUT THAT WAY,
BUT THE ENGINEERS HAD BEAT THEM BY A NIGHT AND HALF A DAY,
AND THOUGH THEY WERE DRUNK AS TARMINTORS YOU COULD HEAR THEM SAY,
CHORUS:
Submitter comment:
A SONG LEARNED IN COLLEGE
TUNE: "RAMBLING WRECK FROM GEORGIA TECH"
Data entry tech comment:
Informant and collector are the same person.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Good humor Jest |
Date learned: 11-20-1969
CUSTOM
TO BRING GOOD LUCK FOR THE UPCOMING YEAR, YOU MUST KISS SOMEONE
EXACTLY ON THE STROKE OF MIDNIGHT ON NEW YEAR'S EVE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; NEW JERSEY ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; ELIZABETH ; CAMPUS
Date learned: 10-00-1973
RIDDLE QUESTION
Historical record from James Callow Folklore Archive.
AB C D GOLDFISH
BN NO GOLDFISH
O S A R AB
C M P N
Submitter comment:
THIS CAN BE TRANSLATED TO:
AB SEE THE GOLDFISH
BN, THERE IS NO GOLDFISH
OH YES THERE IS AB
SEE THEM PEEING
James Callow comment:
VARIATION: MNO GOLDFISH
CN[ HARTWIG, WILLIAM 720390
C1[ 260 ALAMEDA
C2[ YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO 44504
DNC[ 1,688
******************** C FILE 1 ********************
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
James Callow Keyword(s): SCATALOGICAL URINATION
| Subject headings: | RIDDLE -- Riddle Question |
Date learned: 00001950S AND 00001960S
VERSE WITHOUT MUSIC
IF "IFS" AND "BUTS"
WERE CANS OF NUTS,
OH, WHAT A CHRISTMAS WE'D HAVE:
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Lyrical Verse CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 25 Christmas Also see F642, below. |
Date learned: 00001960S
GRAFFITI
GOD IS GOD TRY JESUS'S WAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Art Craft Architecture Art, Craft, Architecture |
Date learned: 01-10-1973